News Release

Saturday, April 12, 2003

Husband and Wife Shot in Driveway Husband Dies

Los Angeles: On Friday, April 11, 2003, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Van Nuys Patrol Officers responded to a Radio Call of an ADW ambulance shooting in the 13700 block of Cohasset Street. Upon arrival at the location, the Officers found two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Paytsar Kalbukyan one of the victims who is described as a female Armenian, 29 years old, stated that she and her husband, Suren Ghukasyan, a male Armenian, 31 years old, had been shot at their residence. Paytsar stated that her husband returned home, and parked his vehicle in the garage. When he exited his vehicle, multiple suspects approached their driveway. The suspects produced handguns and shot Suren multiple times. Paytsar came to the aid of her husband when she too was shot in the leg.

Paytsar’s injuries are not life threatening, and she was taken to local hospital for treatment. Suren received multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene by responding Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics.

The suspects are described as multiple males armed with handguns. No vehicle was seen leaving the area and no motive for the shooting has been established this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Van Nuys Homicide Unit at 818-756-8370, or during non-business hours, the Van Nuys Watch Commander at 818 756-8346. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.